Virginia Opossum
Scientific name
Didelphis virginiana
about the species
Opossums are omnivores that will eat insects, carrion, amphibians, and crayfish, in addition to fruits such as pokeberry and pawpaws. These unique mammals are common in woodlands, but are also often found in urban areas. Opossums are the only marsupials found in the United States. After birth, young climb into the mother’s fur-lined pouch, staying there until weaning at 3-4 months of age. Opossums are eaten by predators such as foxes, coyotes, and owls. Opossums do not hibernate, and in Missouri, opossums may have damaged ear tips, tail tips, and toes from frostbite.
conservation status
Least concern. Common in Missouri.
How we’re studying this species
We are putting out cameras in Forest Park to see where in the park opossums can be found. We are collecting health and morphological data from opossums in Kennedy Forest, and we plan to start GPS tagging opossums soon.
